Decolonization, Indigenization, and Evaluation

This is a brief piece about decolonizing the field of evaluation. It is from my Foundations of Evaluation class at Claremont Graduate University. It begins with a definition of decolonization - an effort to dismantle systemic and institutionalized forms of inequity and oppression. I also highlight the role of indigenization - focusing on language revitalization and land-based practices. The presentation concludes with a call for us to reflect on our assumptions and ways of doing things, including our language. I include my own example of introducing empowerment evaluation to the field to help demonstrate how this impacts the field of evaluation. The bottom line is that this may not be our fault but it is our responsibility to remove barriers that contribute to oppression and inequity.